Principles
The “Thirteen Principles of Spiritual Activism,” composed by the Satyana Institute, are widely shared on the internet. These principles represent the collective experience of many spiritual leaders and movements. Several variations exist, such as the “Twelve Keys of Spiritual Activism” from Humanity Healing.
“Light in Action” has incorporated and simplified these fundamental principles into the following framework, which is an essential compass for every spiritual activist. Beneficial action begins with inner transformation and extends to fellow humans, society, and the environment!
Self-knowledge
Developing our consciousness is necessary to bring about any significant change in our external environment. By consistently seeking self-knowledge, we can cultivate integrity, honesty, dignity, altruism, and trust in universal wisdom. As we grow spiritually, we become an example of the positive change we want to see in the world.
Transmutation of motives
Spiritual transformation involves transmuting motives from selfishness, vanity, anger, fear, and despair to selflessness, justice, clarity, love, and creative vision. This enables positive and creative actions instead of just reacting to negative events.
Non-attachment
When we become too attached to the result of our actions, we may feel impatient, anxious, or frustrated if things don't go as planned. This frustration can lead to a sense of futility, which may cause us to abandon our goals altogether. As spiritual activists, we should strive to be independent of the immediate result of our actions and instead focus on our personal duty (Darma) to our higher selves and the wider humanity. We should see ourselves as individual cells that contribute to the greater good. By doing so, we can remain unaffected by negative feedback or obstacles we may encounter on our journey, and we won't be overly excited by success or positive comments either. We should follow the path of duty with an unshakable resolve. By being motivated by selflessness instead of selfishness, we can grow spiritually. In Hinduism, this path of self-completion through selfless service is called karma yoga.
Non-violence
Spiritual activists believe that the end does not justify the means. It's important to be kind in our methods because our results will not be positive if we're not. Violence is not a solution and is often a result of ignorance. The choice of non-violence is spiritual and not just a tactic. If we use non-violence as a tactic, it may still contain seeds of violence and could easily slip back into violence when conditions allow it. Demonizing our opponents leads to polarization, and people tend to respond with arrogance. Active non-violence is for those who are strong, as it requires action, courage, and determination. It's not a refuge for the timid and unenthusiastic.
Compassion for everyone and everything
Compassion and respect for all life come from recognizing the inextricable connection between all living beings. Our shared humanity unites us, and the fate of one affects the fate of all and vice versa. When we deeply understand this unity, it leads to solidarity.
Harmonious cooperation
Spiritual activists lead by example, promoting cooperation and goodwill. Division, competition, bigotry, dogmatism, and autarchy have no place in our actions. By working together through synergy, we can transform our world, as the power of the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Externalization of Eutopia
Promotion of the alternative model that leads to the best possible world here and now. From having to being and from ego to us.
